Hasdai Crescas facts for kids
Hasdai ben Abraham Crescas ( Hebrew: חסדאי קרשקש; born around 1340 in Barcelona, Catalonia – died 1410 or 1411 in Zaragoza, Aragon) was a very important Jewish philosopher and a well-known halakhist (a teacher of Jewish law). He is famous for his logical way of thinking about Jewish philosophy, just like other great thinkers such as Maimonides.
Contents
Biography
Hasdai Crescas came from a family of smart scholars. His grandfather was a Talmudist (someone who studies the Talmud, a book of Jewish law and tradition). Hasdai Crescas was also a student of Nissim ben Reuben, who was a famous Talmudist and philosopher.
Following his teacher's path, Crescas became a leading expert in Jewish law and a very original philosopher. His ideas were so important that they later influenced another famous thinker named Baruch Spinoza.
After leaving Barcelona, he worked as a "crown rabbi" in Aragon. This meant he was a chief rabbi appointed by the king. He was also an active teacher. Among his friends and fellow students was Isaac ben Sheshet, who was known for his important legal answers (responsa). His most famous student was Joseph Albo. He also taught Rabbi Mattathias of Saragossa and Rabbi Zechariah ha-Levi.
Crescas was a wealthy man. The king, John I of Aragon, even chose him to manage his uncle's will in 1393. Even though important non-Jewish people respected him, he still faced difficulties because he was Jewish. In 1378, he was put in prison with his teacher because of a false accusation.
A very sad event happened in 1391. His only son died during a terrible attack on Jewish people in Barcelona. Even after this great loss, Crescas kept his strong faith.
Despite this tragedy, his mind remained sharp. The famous books he wrote were all created after that difficult year. In 1401 and 1402, he visited Joseph Orabuena in Pamplona. The King of Navarre paid for his travels to different towns. At that time, he was known as the "Rav of Saragossa."
Works
Hasdai Crescas wrote important books that are still studied today. His writings on Jewish law have not survived. However, his philosophical book, Or Adonai, which means The Light of the Lord, became a classic. It challenged many old ideas from Aristotle that were popular in the Middle Ages. His work also hinted at the big changes that would come with the scientific revolution later on.
Three of his writings are still available:
- His main work, Or Adonai, also called The Light of the Lord. This book is about Jewish philosophy.
- A book that explains and argues against the main ideas of Christianity. He wrote this book in Catalan in 1398. The original Catalan version is gone, but a Hebrew translation by Joseph ibn Shem-Tov still exists. It is called "Refutation of the Cardinal Principles of the Christians." Crescas wrote this book because some Spanish noblemen asked him to. His goal was to explain why Jewish people held onto their ancient faith.
- A letter he wrote to Jewish communities in Avignon. This letter describes the terrible events of the persecution in 1391.
List of works
- The Light of the Lord (Hebrew: Or Adonai or Or Hashem)
- The Refutation of the Christian Principles (a book that discusses different beliefs and some philosophy)
- Passover Sermon (a sermon about religious philosophy and some Jewish law)
Images for kids
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Carrer Marlet, in the old Jewish Quarter of Barcelona, where Crescas was born. The Sinagoga Major is on the left.
See also
In Spanish: Hasdai Crescas para niños
